Digital Twin for Evaluating Detective Countermeasures in Smart Grid Cybersecurity

IEEE International Conference on Communications, Control, and Computing Technologies for Smart Grids (SmartGridComm), pp. 1–6

Abstract

As the integration of digital technologies and communication systems continues within distribution grids, new avenues emerge to tackle energy transition challenges. Nevertheless, this deeper technological immersion amplifies the necessity for resilience against threats, encompassing both systemic outages and targeted cyberattacks. To ensure the robustness and safeguarding of vital infrastructure, a thorough examination of potential smart grid vulnerabilities and subsequent countermeasure development is essential. This study delves into the potential of digital twins, replicating a smart grid’s cyber-physical laboratory environment, thereby enabling focused cybersecurity assessments. Merging the nuances of communication network emulation and power network simulation, we introduce a flexible, comprehensive digital twin model equipped for hardware-in-the-loop evaluations. Through this innovative framework, we not only verify and refine security countermeasures but also underscore their role in maintaining grid stability and trustworthiness.

Authors 2

1. Ömer Sen Aachen

   RWTH Aachen University · Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   IAEW, RWTH Aachen Univserity,Aachen,Germany

   FIT, Fraunhofer, Aachen, Germany

   IAEW, RWTH Aachen Univserity, Aachen, Germany

2. Andreas Ulbig Aachen

   RWTH Aachen University · Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   IAEW, RWTH Aachen Univserity,Aachen,Germany

   FIT, Fraunhofer, Aachen, Germany

   IAEW, RWTH Aachen Univserity, Aachen, Germany